Truck driver who damaged Rapps Dam bridge faces charges

Officials inspect the Rapps Dam Bridge in East Pikeland Township after the operator of a tractor-trailer drove his truck through the covered bridge causing structural damage to beams and the roof. (Photo by John Strickler/The Mercury)

EAST PIKELAND — Police say charges will be filed against the driver of a truck that severely damaged the Rapps Dam Covered Bridge late last month.

Antoine Branham, who was driving the tractor-trailer with a load of flowers for a New Jersey nursery, is slated to be charged for a felony count of criminal mischief along with the lesser charge of causing or risking a catastrophe, according to the East Pikeland Police.

He will also face “traffic violations for not obeying the traffic sign height requirements,” said East Pikeland Police Chief James Franciscus.

PennDOT said earlier this month that Branham’s tractor-trailer was 13 feet high and the bridge could only handle a vehicle 10 feet high.

Advertisement

Charles Metzger, community relations coordinator for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, said the truck took out every cross beam inside the bridge.

About the Author

Frank Otto is a general assignment reporter covering Phoenixville, Limerick and Spring-Ford schools in addition to features and spot news. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Otto moonlights with the sports department on occasion. Reach the author at fotto@pottsmerc.com
or follow Frank on Twitter: @fottojourno.